Campaigners who want to protect land at a golf course have failed in their bid to get it listed.

Ingol and Tanterton Neighbourhood Council put in a Community Right to Bid application to have land at Ingol Golf Course recognised as an Asset of Community Value.

However the group has now been notified by Preston Council that the application has been refused.

The application was submitted following the group’s fight to stop house building on the land.

Documents submitted on behalf of the land owners Cleator Manor Ltd state: “The nomination is a frivolous attempt to defeat any future development on part of all of the land.”

The news of the application being turned down comes as a public exhibition event over plans to build upto 175 houses on land at the golf club were announced.

The proposals have been revealed just two years after initial plans for 550 homes on the land were refused by the planning inspector.

Coun Bill Shannon, who represents Ingol, said: “Clearly it’s a disappointment, but this is just a stage in a long process. We have not yet decided whether to appeal against the decision.”

Coun Shannon said that open space is a “community asset” and the campaigners intend to “see it remains open for the community, come what may.” He added that residents are determined to fight the latest proposals every step of the way.

The latest housing plans will be on display on Monday November 18 at the golf clubhouse between 2pm and 7.30pm. It is being held prior to a planning application being submitted. To comment on the plans call 0800 319 6162.